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What is the Propane Education & Research Council?

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is a check-off program established, operated, and funded by the propane industry. The only energy council of its kind, PERC leads safety and training efforts among propane retailers and consumers and drives technology development to expand adoption of propane as a clean, domestic, and affordable energy source. PERC programs benefit a variety of industries including fleet vehicle management, landscaping, residential and commercial building, agriculture, and material handling.

What does PERC do?

Technology Incubation

PERC supports research, development, and demonstration of innovative, propane-powered technologies that reduce emissions and save money for homeowners, businesses, farms, and fleets. Through partnerships with universities, researchers, and top brand manufacturers, PERC is invested in every stage of the R&D pipeline. The Council awards grants for promising new research while also helping commercialize and market new propane-powered equipment as it reaches the marketplace.

Technology Incubation in Action

PERC R&D support has played a critical role in expanding the portfolio of propane-autogas-powered vehicles on the market today. PERC-supported vehicles include the Roush CleanTech Ford F-Series trucks and E-Series vans, the Freightliner Custom Chassis S2G, and Blue Bird and Collins buses.

Safety

Nothing is more important to PERC than the safety of those who work with, sell, or buy propane. Through preventative communications and outreach to consumer safety organizations, trade groups, emergency responders, and the public, PERC increases awareness of safe propane storage and handling practices.

Safety in Action

The Propane Emergencies Program was created to teach emergency responders the proper course of action during an emergency situation such as an accidental overfill of a propane tank, a grill fire, or an underground tank leak. Today, it is used by 27 state firefighter training agencies.

Training

Because a well-trained propane workforce is essential to protecting the well-being of propane consumers and the public, PERC leads the ongoing development of the propane industry's most comprehensive and trusted employee training programs. It also provides training modules and tools for end-users such as farmers, fleet vehicle technicians, and homebuilders to promote the safe use of this affordable, clean, American-made fuel.

Training in Action

The Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) provides a cutting edge interactive e-learning tool that thousands of propane technicians use each year. Course topics include basic principles and practices of propane, bobtail delivery operations, and plant operations.

How is PERC governed and funded?

PERC was authorized by the U.S. Congress with the passage of the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA), signed into law on Oct. 11, 1996. PERC is governed by a 21-member board appointed by the National Propane Gas Association and the Gas Processors Association. Each association appoints nine Council members and they cooperate in the appointment of three public members.

PERC's operations and activities are funded by an assessment levied on each gallon of propane gas at the point it is odorized or imported into the United States. The assessment, authorized under PERA, is now four-tenths of a cent per gallon.